Shoe with comfort features

ABSTRACT

A woman&#39;s shoe is disclosed. The shoe includes a vamp, portions of which include a three layer structure of an outer layer, an interior layer and an intermediate layer. The interior layer and the outer layer are formed of leather, and each leather layer includes opening structures selected from the group consisting of holes, slits and goring. The intermediate layer is formed of a stretch fabric between the outer leather layer and the interior leather layer.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a nonprovisional application of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/656,553 filed Jun. 7, 2012.

BACKGROUND

The invention relates to shoes with particular comfort features and in particular relates to a woman's shoe construction that helps relieve the symptoms of bunions for the wearer.

A bunion is an enlargement of bone or tissue around the joint at the base of the big toe that causes a bump on the joint. The big toe may turn toward the second toe (displacement), and the tissues surrounding the joint may be swollen and tender. Medically, a bunion is referred to as a hallux vagus and the joint at the base of the big toe is the metatarsophalangeal joint.

Bunions may be caused by foot mechanics that result in too much pressure on the big toe joint. Over time, the constant pressure forces the big toe out of alignment, gradually bending it toward the other toes. An inherited foot type (such as flatfoot), an abnormal foot motion (excessive pronation), and tight-fitting shoes may all contribute to the pressure.

Bunion Symptoms can include swelling or a bump at the base of the big toe; bending of the big toe toward the other toes; a red, painful joint; or irritated skin over the bunion.

Bunions can be treated medically with over the counter medication, prescription medications, and in some cases surgery (bunionectomy). Pharmaceutical treatments can help relieve pain, but don't treat the underlying joint. Surgery can be helpful, but can include complications such as recurrence, inadequate correction, overcorrection, or resulting limited movement of the toe.

As a result, many bunion sufferers must use special shoes, inserts, splints or other orthotics.

Because of the overwhelming desire that shoes made to accommodate bunion sufferers should be comfortable, the appearance of such shoes is typically less fashionable and less pleasing, especially to women.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, the invention is a woman's shoe that includes a vamp, portions of which include a three layer structure of an outer layer, an interior layer (i.e., adjacent the foot) and an intermediate layer. The interior layer and the outer (i.e., exterior) layer are formed of leather, and these leather layers each include opening structures selected from the group consisting of holes, slits and goring. The intermediate is formed of a stretch fabric between the outer leather layer and the interior leather layer.

In another aspect, the invention is a kit that includes a left shoe and a right shoe. Each shoe includes a vamp, portions of which include a three layer structure of an outer layer, an interior layer (i.e., adjacent the foot) and an intermediate layer. The interior layer and the outer (i.e., exterior) layer are formed of leather, and these leather layers each include opening structures selected from the group consisting of holes, slits and goring. The intermediate is formed of a stretch fabric between the outer leather layer and the interior leather layer.

In another aspect, the invention is a method of relieving the symptoms of bunion pain and discomfort. In this aspect the invention includes positioning the metatarsophalangeal joint of a bunion patient in a shoe and adjacent portions of the shoe that include a three layer structure formed of a layer of stretch fabric positioned between respective layers of opened leather.

The foregoing and other objects and advantages of the invention and the manner in which the same are accomplished will become clearer based on the followed detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of a shoe according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the toe and vamp portions of a shoe according to the invention.

FIG. 3 is another side elevational view of a shoe according to the invention.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken long lines 4-4 of FIG. 2 including an enlarged cutaway.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an insole of a shoe according to the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

This description includes various names for parts of a shoe. The definitions used herein are consistent with conventional shoe terminology; e.g. http://shoes.about.com/od/shoetermsglossary/shoetermsglossary.htm. This is, of course, an exemplary citation rather than a limiting one. The skilled person will likewise be familiar with and understand the terminology used herein.

FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of a shoe according to the invention and broadly designated at 10. The shoe 10 includes a number of parts that are common to shoes and the names of these parts are used in their ordinary sense in this art. Some these include the toe 11, the vamp 12, quarter portions 13, the heel 14, and a platform 15.

In particular, the vamp 12 of the shoe 10 includes a three layer structure (broadly designated at 19 in FIG. 4) of an outer (or exterior) layer 16, an interior layer 17 (i.e., the layer is adjacent the wearer's foot) and an intermediate layer 20.

As illustrated in the enlarged call out portion of FIG. 4, the interior layer 17 and the outer layer 16 are both formed of leather and include a plurality of opening structures 21 selected from the group consisting of holes, slits, and goring.

In a formal dictionary sense, the verb “gore” is sometimes defined as cutting something into a tapering triangular form, or an item that has a tapering triangular form. As used herein and in aspects of the shoe industry, however, the term refers to cut openings in leather (or other shoe materials) and can include shapes other than a tapering triangle.

The intermediate layer 20 is formed of a stretch fabric positioned between the outer leather layer 16 and the interior leather layer 17. In exemplary embodiments, the stretch fabric 20 is spandex, one commercial version of which is sold under the Lycra® trademark. Spandex is an elastomeric polyurethane fiber than can be repeatedly stretched without breaking, and that will return to its original length.

By way of comparison, many previous constructions included mere slits in the leather, or elastic under unslit leather, or elastic inserts placed in cut outs (which tend to pinch or rub against the foot). In the invention the stretch fabric 20 (e.g., the spandex) is positioned between slit supple leather. This helps provide a breathable expanding soft surface next to the wearer's skin that is much more comfortable.

The shoe 10 also includes an insole 22 (FIG. 4, FIG. 5). In exemplary embodiments the insole 22 also includes additional padding 23 at the ball position to ease pressure at the metatarsal area of the wearer and thus help alleviate discomfort. The padded portion 23 of the insole 22 can be formed of an additional layer of a different material, or can be a built-up portion of the insole material 22. Padding materials for shoes are well understood in the art and can be selected by the skilled person without undue experimentation. Exemplary materials include (but are not limited to) ethylene vinyl acetate (“EVA”), polyester, silicone gel, rubber, compressed cellulose particle board, and nonwoven materials (e.g., the “Sprint,” “T249” and “T507” insole materials from Texon International of Saltburn by the Sea, England).

As perhaps best illustrated in FIG. 2, in an exemplary embodiment the openings 21 in the outer leather layer 16 and the interior leather layer 17 are formed of goring 21 and the goring 21 extends along the left and right side portions of the vamp 12.

In exemplary embodiments, the center portion of the vamp 12 is solid leather without openings. The solid surface also helps relieve pressure, or avoid placing pressure, on the metatarsal area and thus the bunion. This solid portion is, however, optional rather than mandatory.

The vamp portion is also free of any seaming that crosses the metatarsophalangeal joint of a wearer.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, in exemplary embodiments of the shoe 10, the goring 21 extends from the vamp 12 towards the quarter portions 13 and along the throat portion 26 of the shoe 10.

Additionally, the border between the throat 26 and the vamp 12 is positioned sufficiently along the quarter portions 13 for the throat edge 24 that is defined by the vamp 12 to cover the joint rather than crossing the joint. The upper construction of the vamp is designed to decrease direct pressure on the bunion. In particular, the vamp 12 avoids any seaming that crosses in the area of a bunion, and the upper rides high enough so that the throat edge 24 of the upper does not cross over the top of a wearer's bunion but instead covers it.

The shoe 10 can include a high heel 14 (FIG. 1) without compromising the comfort features. Although the term “high heel” is essentially a subjective fashion term, in general it refers to a shoe in which the heel of the wearer's foot is positioned significantly higher than the toes. As comparative alternative, when the heel and toes are both raised, the shoe is typically referred to as a “platform” shoe.

Most high-heeled shoes have heels of between about 2 and 3 inches, although some can be higher. Shoes with heels of 5 inches or more, however, are generally considered purely for fashion rather than for normal wear. Although the invention is not limited by heel height, a bunion sufferer is generally more likely to choose and wear a shorter version of a high heel rather than a taller one.

As some additional details, FIG. 1 also illustrates the shank 25 between the heel 14 and the forward portions of the platform 15. In FIG. 1, the platform 15 is somewhat thicker than might be the case in other shoes and again this is for comfort purposes. For example, a shoe with a 4-inch heel 14 is fashionably attractive. By incorporating a ½ inch platform 15, however, the differential height is reduced to 3½ inches. This reduces the relative angulation of the wearer's foot and thus makes the shoe more comfortable for most wearers.

The shoe platform 15 should be firm to provide stability to the wearer. Thus, the thicker platform 15 can be formed from one or more materials that are well understood in this art such as (but not limited to) cork, wood, or polyurethane.

The heel 14 also typically includes a heel cap 27

FIG. 3 is a view essentially similar to FIG. 1, but with the toe, vamp and quarter portions outlined in dotted lines to emphasize the position of the insole 22 and the padded portion 23. The other elements in FIG. 3 are the same as in FIG. 1 and carry the same reference numerals.

The cross-sectional view of FIG. 4 illustrates some of the same elements in more detail, including the insole 22, the outer soul 18, and the platform 15.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, the exterior and interior leather layers 16, 17 are separated by the openings 21 with the spandex layer 20 between them. The upper portion of the vamp 12 forms the top of the cross-sectional view.

As those familiar with shoe construction will understand, the “last” (mould) used to construct the shoe is selected to provide more, and very specifically targeted, space in the area of the metatarsals as compared to a typical woman's shoe. Providing sufficient room for the metatarsals to spread out a bit in the shoe helps decrease pain in the area of the bunion.

Shoes are typically sold in pairs and bunion sufferers may, for several reasons, have the same problem on each foot. Because of that, in another context the invention is a kit formed of a left shoe and a right shoe. Each of the shoes includes the elements just described with respect to a single shoe including the vamp 12, the three layer structure 16, 17, 20, the openings 21 in the three layer structure, and the stretch fabric aspects of the intermediate layer 20.

In kit form each shoe also comprises an insole 22 and the additional padding 23 at the ball position of the insole 22. In exemplary embodiments, each shoe in such a kit also includes the center portion of the vamp without openings and each shoe includes the left and right quarter portion 13 that together with the vamp 12 define the front opening.

Each said shoe will also have the openings 21 (in the three layer structure 16, 17, 20) extend from the vamp 12 towards the corner portions along the vamp 12, and as described with respect to a single shoe, each vamp is free of any seaming that crosses the metatarsophalangeal joint of the wearer.

Based upon the nature of the shoe structure, the invention in another aspect also includes a method of relieving the symptoms of bunion pain and discomfort. In this aspect, the invention comprises positioning the joint of a bunion patient in a shoe and adjacent portions of the shoe that include a three layer structure formed a layer of stretch fabric positioned between respective layers of opened leather.

As set forth with respect to the structural description, in exemplary embodiments the three layer structure adjacent the joint comprises a layer of spandex between two layers of opened—typically gored—leather.

The method also includes the step of positioning the foot with the border between the throat and the vamp sufficiently above the metatarsophalangeal joint so that the border between the vamp and the throat opening covers the metatarsophalangeal joint and the wearer's bunion rather than crossing the joint and the wearer's bunion.

In the drawings and specification there has been set forth a preferred embodiment of the invention, and although specific terms have been employed, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation, the scope of the invention being defined in the claims. 

1. A woman's shoe comprising: a vamp, portions of which include a three layer structure of an outer layer, an interior layer and an intermediate layer; said interior layer and said outer layer being formed of leather; said interior and said outer layer each including opening structures selected from the group consisting of holes, slits and goring; and said intermediate layer being formed of a stretch fabric between said outer leather layer and said interior leather layer.
 2. A woman's shoe according to claim 1 further comprising a high heel.
 3. A woman's shoe according to claim 1 wherein said stretch fabric comprises spandex.
 4. A woman's shoe according to claim 1 further comprising an insole.
 5. A woman's shoe according to claim 4 wherein said insole further comprises additional padding at the ball position to ease pressure at the metatarsal area of the wearer and help alleviate discomfort.
 6. A woman's shoe according to claim 1 wherein said openings in said outer leather layer and said interior leather layer comprise goring, and said goring extends along left and right side portions of the vamp.
 7. A woman's shoe according to claim 6 wherein the center portion of the vamp is solid leather without openings.
 8. A woman's shoe according to claim 6 wherein said shoe includes left and right quarter portions that together with the vamp define a throat opening.
 9. A woman's shoe according to claim 8 wherein said goring extends from said vamp towards said quarter portions and along said throat.
 10. A woman's shoe according to claim 1 wherein said vamp is free of any seaming that crosses the metatarsophalangeal joint of a wearer.
 11. A woman's shoe according to claim 8 wherein the border between said throat and said vamp is positioned sufficiently along said quarter portions for the throat edge defined by the vamp to cover the metatarsophalangeal joint rather than crossing the metatarsophalangeal joint.
 12. A kit comprising: a left shoe and a right shoe; each of said shoes comprising a vamp, portions of which include a three layer structure of an outer layer, an interior layer and an intermediate layer; said interior layer and said outer layer being formed of leather; said interior and said outer layer each including opening structures selected from the group consisting of holes, slits and goring; and said intermediate layer being formed of a stretch fabric between said outer leather layer and said interior leather layer.
 13. A kit according to claim 12 wherein each said shoe further comprises: an insole; and additional padding at the ball position of said insole to ease pressure at the metatarsal area of the wearer and help alleviate discomfort.
 14. A kit according to claim 12 wherein: the center portion of said vamp of each said shoe is solid leather without openings; and each said shoe includes left and right quarter portions that together with the vamp define a throat opening.
 15. A kit according to claim 12 wherein said openings in said leather layers extend from said vamp towards said quarter portions and along said throat.
 16. A kit according to claim 12 wherein each said vamp is free of any seaming that crosses the metatarsophalangeal joint of a wearer.
 17. A method of relieving the symptoms of bunion pain and discomfort comprising: positioning the metatarsophalangeal joint of a bunion patient in a shoe and adjacent portions of the shoe that include a three layer structure formed of a layer of stretch fabric positioned between respective layers of opened leather.
 18. A method according to claim 17 wherein the three layer structure adjacent the metatarsophalangeal joint comprises a layer of spandex between two layers of gored leather.
 19. A method according to claim 17 comprising positioning the foot with the border between the throat and the vamp sufficiently above the metatarsophalangeal joint so that the border between the vamp and the throat opening covers the metatarsophalangeal joint and the patient's bunion rather than crossing the metatarsophalangeal joint and the patient's bunion.
 20. In a method of constructing a shoe on a last, the improvement comprising constructing the shoe on a last that provides more space than a conventional last in the targeted area of the metatarsophalangeal joint. 